Mix dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening, or rub in with fingers. Add water or milk slowly, just enough to make soft dough. Knead a few times until dough is smooth and holds together. Let rest for 10-20 minutes. Shape into round pieces and flatten on a board with a little flour,( They also put a hole in the middle, that's how they looked when we went there I didn't do that here) then prick with fork. The oil must be hot before frying or use a fry daddy. Fry at medium-high heat, turning several times, until brown and crusty on both sides. Frying time usually takes around 15-20 minutes. You will need to drain them on paper towels, then cover them with a towels to rest around 10 minutes.
These are not too sweet, but intrigued me when we went on our cruise excursion. This lady was nice enough to tell me how to make them. Similar to a donut, just not sweet. Goes really good with any meal. These are found all over the Islands. Johnny Cakes is not unique to Jamaica. Versions can also be found in the Eastern Caribbean islands as well as places like Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands and St. Croix.

We took quite a few excursions to see the different Islands, this was St. John's

Whisk dry ingredients together, and then add oil and enough water or milk to make very thick dough and knead (about 1 cup). Place in a greased 8 inch baking dish or an 8 inch greased cast iron pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve in wedges or slices with butter or honey.

Of course for all my Italian readers, you know we are accustomed to (click on Fried Dough )aka Pizza Fritta, this was quite a change, its always nice to see and experience different cuisine...

22 comments:

fried dough is just to good to pass up anytime, esp with powder sugar or syrup ... the johnny cakes I remember, those from southern recipes, contain cornmeal much like the cake, some more like cone pones hence, johnny reb cakes...

These look like perfect corn toasties. I imagine they are even better in an island paradise... what a beautiful place to go to -- and escape the awful weather here. The only happy one around is my St Bernard who thinks this is heaven!

Who doesn't like fried dough? So good, and comforting.I would be more than happy for you to come down further south to give you tips, on the photo taking...but you would get 2 more different advices, from other family members.

Your photos are just perfect the way you take them...they are your"own" and not anyone else's!

I would like to escape to a tropical island and have one of those Johnny Cakes on the beach! Ready for warmer weather, and we have a ways to go until spring.Maybe if I make these at home, I can imagine the island breeze~

Seems fried dough whether yeast or powder based are a staple in many countries. The Bahama version reminds me more of the southern corn cakes than the Italian fried dough. Either way they all sound wonderful!

This is the first time I've seen Johnny Cakes from the Caribbean and made with flour vs. cornmeal. But fried dough by any name is a treat not to be missed! Reminds me of beignets without the powdered sugar, yum!

I wanted to make something special for my nephew Devin Colenzo who is moving away so this was it, glad we were able to get together for...

About Me

My blog was created in 2009. When I first started blogging my main inspiration was keeping Mom's memory alive through her recipes she left behind. Cooking those recipes keeps her with us. My two grown sons and family members now have all the family traditional recipes in one place. This blog is dedicated to the memory ofMargaret Ann Fanelli Colenzo.